In a major boost for the long-term success of the Essendon Football Club, the Bombers today announced that promising youngsters Paddy Ryder and Courtenay Dempsey have re-signed for a further two years.
The two-year deals will see the duo contracted until the end of the 2009 season.
Chief Operating Officer, Travis Auld, said the pair were expected to play major roles in the future success of the club.
""These two players are exceptionally gifted and we expect both to have long and successful careers at Essendon,"" Mr Auld said.
""Today's announcement is a significant one for the club and the players, who have both shown their commitment to and belief in the Essendon Football Club.""
Assistant coach Gary Ayres said that in just his second year at the club, and after only 24 games, 19-year-old Ryder has become a key player in the Bombers' backline and shown incredible improvement.
""The fact he has embraced his position as a key backman, where he didn't have much experience, shows he is willing to learn and develop. His ability to match-up on a number of different types of forwards has been great - he can play on talls and mediums,"" Ayres said.
""Paddy could end up playing in a number of positions and, to be honest, we would like to have two of him. He has excellent skills and decision making under pressure and his athleticism, for someone so tall, is very good. Over time he will get physically stronger and develop his game further.""
The 197cm Ryder is from West Australia and was taken with pick number seven in the 2005 national draft.
Ayres said that while 19 year old Dempsey has been limited this year, due to a hamstring injury, he demonstrated his potential in five senior games in 2006.
""He has a lot of upside and it has been a pity he hasn't been able to play,"" Ayres said.
""His acceleration, speed, evasiveness and ball use are very good - we just have to get him out there to display those skills,"" Ayres said.
The 185cm Dempsey is from Queensland and was taken with draft pick number 19 in the 2005 national draft.
